DELRAY BEACH RAISES $72,000 FOR MDA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DELRAY BEACH RAISES $72,000 FOR MDA
DELRAY BEACH, Fla., July 22, 2009 – The Muscular Dystrophy Association held its annual Delray Beach Lock-Up at The Sundy House, Thursday, July 9. With the support of
local community leaders the event raised over $72,000 to help support the programs and services offered by MDA.
Delray’s kindest business leaders were arrested at work by volunteer Palm Beach County Sheriff Officers and All Points Limousine drivers and taken to MDA’s maximum appreciation jail. Once there, they received the standard lock-up treatment. Jailbirds were fingerprinted, mug shots were taken and they were hauled off to their cells.
At MDA’s prison, jailbirds didn’t receive the standard one phone call; they were allowed many.
Jailbirds spent their sentence on the phones calling family, friends and business associates to help them reach their $3,000 bail.
“It’s exciting to see everyone get so involved,” recalls Nicole Ingenito, MDA Administrative Assistant. “I overheard someone on the phones saying, ‘I’m in jail, and I need you to bail me out.’ It took him about five minutes before he told his friend that it was a fundraiser; he was so into it.”
No one was more excited and dedicated than Lisa Hamilton Project Executive from Coastal Construction; she ended the event with $3500 in bail, making her the top bail raiser.
Lock-Ups are not just about raising money; it is truly a community event. “There is no telling what will happen,” Ingenito said. She recalls one jailbird who brought his wife along to celebrate their 3rd wedding anniversary. He didn’t want to miss the event; he even went as far as getting down on his knees, pretending to propose for their mug shot.”
Ingenito says people have a great time with the event Business people have the opportunity to give back to the community and also benefit by trading business cards and showcasing their products. One Jailbird, Tonia Turner, sold pieces from her jewelry line, Beads on the Avenue, and still had the time to raise several hundred dollars.
Overall the event was a great success! The money will stay right here in Palm Beach County and help fund medical services at the Jupiter Medical Center, purchase and repair wheelchairs and leg braces, fund support groups and send kids to MDA’s week long summer camp.
Media Contact: Crystal Grant
(561) 742-3748